Compaction Issues in Powder Metallurgy

Abstract

Powder metallurgy (P/M) involves a multiple-step process to prepare and consolidate granulated metal and composites into near-net-shaped components. The modern P/M method starts with a precisely defined final geometry and a set of properties for a desired component. Decisions are then made about a variety of processing variables, recognizing that many variables strongly interact counter to the desired properties. Finally preproduction fabrication trials are conducted to optimize key variables until he specifications are achieved, and the processing conditions are established. A critical step in the overall process is the compaction of powder into a sufficiently strong, low-porosity, properly shaped part with uniform microstructure that can be sintered, or alternately heated and pressed to the final dimensions and properties.